Ikarus C42 FB80, G-RODJ

Date of occurrence: 28 August 2008

Summary: According to an incomplete report provided by the owner of the flying school, the aircraft departed the side of the runway on landing, because of a ‘wrong rudder input’. The air traffic control officer on duty observed the accident and also submitted a report. He stated that the pilot was a student pilot on his first solo flight and that he appeared to flare too soon for landing. A heavy bounced landing occurred, after which directional control was lost and the aircraft departed the side of the runway.
The initial notification to the AAIB stated that the nose landing gear wheel and one main wheel were damaged; the report from the owner of the flying school stated that only ‘light nose wheel’ damage occurred.
Attempts by the AAIB to contact the owner of the school were unsuccessful.

Summary: According to an incomplete report provided by the owner of the flying school, the aircraft departed the side of the runway on landing, because of a ‘wrong rudder input’. The air traffic control officer on duty observed the accident and also submitted a report. He stated that the pilot was a student pilot on his first solo flight and that he appeared to flare too soon for landing. A heavy bounced landing occurred, after which directional control was lost and the aircraft departed the side of the runway.
The initial notification to the AAIB stated that the nose landing gear wheel and one main wheel were damaged; the report from the owner of the flying school stated that only ‘light nose wheel’ damage occurred.
Attempts by the AAIB to contact the owner of the school were unsuccessful.